UAE vape tax expected to deter new smokers as countries tighten grip on e-cigarettes
The UAE’s incoming tax on e-cigarette and vape liquids will deter young people from picking up the habit while encouraging current users to reduce their consumption, according to doctors, smokers and retailers. A minimum excise price of Dh1 per millilitre for the liquids will take effect in the UAE on September 1 as part of the country's “sin tax” rules. This means products retailing below that…
The United Arab Emirates will introduce a tax on e-cigarette and vape liquids, starting September 1, in an effort to discourage young people from starting the habit and to encourage current users to consume less. The minimum excise price of Dh1 per millilitre will be applied, with products below that threshold being taxed as if they had reached it.
This measure aims to demonstrate that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking. Dr. Rachel Kaminski, a pulmonologist, believes the tax will positively impact young people and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Some vapers are considering quitting or reducing consumption due to the price increase, while retailers express concern about potential shifts to unofficial, unregulated products if the price gap becomes too significant.
Other countries with heavy tobacco taxes have seen a decline in consumption over time, with a 10% price increase typically reducing tobacco use by 4% in high-income countries and 5% in low- and middle-income nations.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
